JEFF CLARKE RETIRES

Following 20 years of service, former First-Team Physio Jeff Clarke has now retired from his role at the club.

In November 2003 following an illustrious playing career in England, the former Manchester City, Sunderland and Newcastle United defender made the journey north to Tannadice through a connection with then Assistant Manager Gordon Chisholm, to become a part of Ian McCall's backroom team. He would remain in that role through subsequent managerial changes for the next 17 years.

This would see Jeff work directly under 10 permanent managers during his time at Tannadice and he was also part of the squad that enjoyed success in the Scottish Cup Final guided by Peter Houston at Hampden in 2010.

In 2020, he moved into a new role within the Academy as part of the remit to achieve the Elite Academy status.

“I now take a bow to end my 53 years in professional football and these last 20 years at Dundee United. It has been a hugely satisfying career and as ever in football “never a dull moment”. As any tangerine supporter knows, it has been a rollercoaster ride, taking the emotions to the extremes of pain and pleasure. The high for me must be the 2010 cup final."

"I arrived in 2003 under manager Ian McCall and more specifically his assistant Gordon Chisholm an old playing colleague from our days at Sunderland AFC. Now 20 years on and many managers later, I step aside from the game that has given me so much, the game that is almost unrecognisable from the one I knew even 20 years ago and certainly 50 years ago. It’s a young man’s game and I’m happy to leave it to that new generation."

"My last few years at United were spent with the youth squad and that was more satisfying than I ever could have imagined. I now look forward to watching the progression of these young players into first-team football, as the recent introduction of Miller Thomson into the first team gave me a real thrill, may it continue in the historic development of youth talent that Dundee United are renowned for."

"I thank everyone at Dundee United for their support over the years and I will always remain a loyal fan. The Arabs have been inexorably linked to my life and will continue to do so. I wish the club and supporters all the best for the future and will be happy supporting from the wings, and I will ensure my seat belt is good and tight for the rollercoaster.”

Jeff departs with the very best wishes from everyone at the club for him and his family who will also be back as VIP guests of the club in the boardroom for our match against Raith Rovers later this month.